Can someone shed some light on the etymology of the word 'bacstaí'. Can it be divided in two elements and, if so, which two? If these elements are 'bac' and 'staí', does the first have any relationship to the English verb 'to bake'?

I am just looking at the Russian Wikipedia-page about the boxty. There the words 'arán bocht tí' (poor home bread (?)) are mentioned, but it is absolutely not clear wether this is supposed to be the 'original' long form of 'bacstaí'. Could you look into this as well?

I am just looking at the Russian Wikipedia-page about the boxty. There the words 'arán bocht tí' (poor home bread (?)) are mentioned, but it is absolutely not clear wether this is supposed to be the 'original' long form of 'bacstaí'. Could you look into this as well?

Once again: thanks in advance.

I never heard of that. But it does sound plausible. People would've had access to spuds all year round whereas flour might have been scarce.